Trouble with auto eroticism

WHILE reading the articles 'Sex Lies' and 'And So To Bed' (Sunday Morning Post Magazine, October 16), I came across a couple of passages that troubled me.

One article said: 'Likewise, masturbation is frowned upon as wasting 'the essence of life'.' The other, after discussing masturbation, said: 'Strikingly, around one in two of all those who do indulge in auto eroticism - no matter how old - said they felt guilty afterwards.' I wonder if I have jumped to conclusions regarding how these two authors feel about masturbation. Putting aside the notion that masturbation wastes 'the essence of life', does the fact the article nonetheless mentions that it is frowned upon suggest it should not be so? And does the use of the word 'strikingly' in the second article suggest the author thinks it strange that people feel guilty after masturbating? If neither writer feels there is any question of morality regarding masturbation, I would like to suggest there should be.

At best, masturbation perverts the concept of sex being an act to fully express love to, and enjoy intimacy with, one's loved one. Masturbation is only for self-gratification. At worst, it is a seriously degrading, addictive habit.

SPENCER KIMBALL Discovery Bay